Investigation the treatability of some β-lactam group antibiotics by elektrochemical processes

In this study, we investigated the electrochemical oxidation of synthetic wastewater samples containing ampicillin antibiotic (AMP) with new generation and stable Sn/Sb/Ni-Ti anodes, which have limited usage in wastewater treatment processes. Ampicillin solution of 0.05 g/L was prepared and incubated for 24 hours in a dark and cold place at ±4 0C. Ampicillin removal efficiency was measured using UltraPerformance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC). Although several parameters have been evaluated such as salt type and concentration (NaCl: 1000-2500 mg/L, KCl: 250-1000 mg/L), pH (3-10) and current density (10-50 mA/cm2 ), salt type and concentration has been detected as the most effective parameter for electrochemical removal of COD, TOC and AMP. Two different type of salts were used in this study: Sodium Chloride NaCl and Potassium Chloride KCL, however, COD, TOC and AMP removal were more efficient and advantageous in the presence of KCl when compared to NaCl. In the presence of KCl, complete removal of COD, TOC and AMP were obtained after 60 and 5 min respectively, while using NaCl, 120 min and 5 min were necessary for complete COD, TOC and AMP removal, respectively. As a result, the optimum conditions for COD, TOC and AMP removal have been chosen as 750 mg/L KCl, pH 8,1 and 50 mA/cm2 of current density. Release and mineralization of nitrogen and organic carbon in the AMP molecule were resulted as a consequence of anodic oxidation.